Dennis Macklin
Dartmouth at Pennsylvania
Prediction: Pennsylvania
Dartmouth snapped a 22-game series losing streak in last with a 63-60 win back on the 31st. Big Green has lost it's L5 trip here by a combined 81 points and will find the going much tougher here versus revenge minded Quakers. Penn on three straight wins and covers including huge confidence boosting OT win at Princeton in last. Home teams with same year revenge have been golden in all conferences and IMO, Penn is much the best here. This is a lot of points for a road/dog domainated series but based on case-by-case basis, Penn rates nod here. Take Pennsylvania.
Marc Lawrence
Cornell at Yale
Play: Yale
The Eli hosts Big Red in an Ivy League clash tonight with 28-point embarrassing revenge on their minds. With that we note Yale is 9-3 SU and ATS in this series when not playing off a double-digit loss when Cornell owns a win percentage of .437 or greater on the season, including 4-0 ATS when Yale is playing with 3 or more days of rest. Grab the points and stay at home with Yale tonight.
Cajun Sports
Illinois State vs. Niagara
Play: Niagara -2.5
The Redbirds travel to face non-conference foe Niagara in a Bracket Buster Game which will in all likelihood not elevate either team to the Big Dance. Both of these teams should play in one of the post-season tourney’s just not the Big One as their respective RPI’s are just too low even though they have both won over 20 games this season it would take winning their conference tournaments for either to dance. The Redbirds are 22-5 SU on the season and 13-10 ATS posting a 4-1 record both straight up and against the spread in their last five games overall averaging 68.8 points per game and allowing 60.8 points per game. Illinois State is coming off three straight victories but they have struggled in this situation in the past with a record of 9-21 ATS after 3 consecutive conference games over the last 2 seasons. Another problem for the Redbirds they are facing a team that averages 22 three-point attempts per game and outscores their opponents by almost 9 points per game overall and almost 11 points per game at home and the Redbirds are 2-10 ATS versus teams who attempt 21 or more 3 point shots per game on the season after 15+ games the last 3 seasons and 1-8 ATS versus teams outscoring their opponents by 4+ points per game after 15+ games over the last 2 seasons. Niagara is 21-7 SU and 19-9 ATS this year and 8-2 SU and 6-4 ATS at home averaging 78.0 points per game and allowing 66.4 points per game. They have also posted a record of 4-1 both SU and ATS their last five games overall. Illinois State has not faced a single BCS school this season during their out of conference schedule while Niagara has faced two Big East opponents losing at Villanova back in November 77 to 62 covering as a 16 point road underdog and winning at South Florida in December 70 to 55 covering as a 5.5 point road underdog. Niagara is 7-0 ATS following a road contest in their last game and if they are now installed as a non-conference favorite they are also perfect with a 6-0 ATS record in that role. Here are a few college basketball systems that are active for tonight’s contest. Play AGAINST CBB road underdogs after winning ATS and going ‘over’ in their last game, 29-48-3 ATS. Play AGAINST CBB underdogs of 3 to 6.5 points after winning SU by 10 or more points and going ‘over’ in their last game, 15-29-4 ATS. Play ON CBB home teams with a line of 3 to 6.5 points after losing SU and going ‘over’ in their last game, 58-37-1 ATS. Play ON CBB home teams with a line of 3 to 6.5 points after losing ATS and going ‘over’ on the road in their last game, 42-23 ATS. All systems “go” for the host as Niagara Purple Eagles takedown the Illinois State Redbirds on Friday night. Lay the short price with the host as they get the straight up and against the spread win.
PROJECTED FINAL SCORE: (2*) Niagara 77 Illinois State 69
Brian Hansen
Colorado Avalanche at Washington Capitals
Prediction: Colorado Avalanche
The Avalanche have gone beyond regulation to pull out consecutive wins, beating Detroit 6-5 in a shootout Sunday and topping Ottawa 3-2 in overtime Tuesday night; expect more of the same this evening! Washington is 7-9 its last 16 in non-conference contests; play on COLORADO!
LT Profits
Oklahoma City Thunder +9
To the casual observer, this matchup between the 30-23 Phoenix Suns and the 13-41 Oklahoma City Thunder may seem like a Phoenix blowout at first glance.
However, the truth of the matter is that despite their record, the Thunder have actually been one of the best investments in the NBA this season with a 34-20, 63.0 percent record against the spread. Also, do not be scared off by their 3-22 straight up record on the road either, as they are still 16-9, 64.0 percent when traveling.
Conversely, the Suns have been considerably worse ATS than their SU record, going just 19-31-2 vs. the number. Yes, they have had back-to-back 140-point games since the coaching change, but keep in mind that both of those games came against the lowly Los Angeles Clippers. They figure to get much more resistance from this pesky Oklahoma City team that has played hard all year.
The Thunder are already 2-0 ATS in their head-to-head meetings with the Suns this season, and we look for them to make it a hat trick here.
Pick: Thunder +9
Tom Freese
Dallas at Houston
Dallas is 6-2 ATS vs. a team that scored 100 or more points in their last game and they are 10-4 ATS vs. a team that has a home winning percentage of over 60%. The Mavericks are 10-4 ATS their last 14 games as road dogs and they are 7-2 ATS their last 9 meetings with the Rockets. Houston is 7-20-1 ATS off an ATS win and they are 1-4-1 ATS off a straight up win. The Rockets are 2-7 ATS off a double digit win and they are 0-5 ATS on Friday. PLAY ON DALLAS +
Dave Price
1 Unit on Atlanta Hawks +5
The Hawks are catching too many tonight. The Blazers are just 3-3 in their last 6 games and just 1-5 ATS. The Blazers won by just 4 points as an 11.5-point favorite against a lowly Memphis team last time out and it will struggle to win this game against a very athletic Hawks team. Right off the bat, one has to like the points here since Portland is just 3-14 ATS as a home favorite of 3.5 to 6 points over the last 3 seasons and 10-24 ATS as a home favorite of 6 points or less over the last 3 seasons period. The Hawks have been strong in the underdog role at 16-7 ATS as an underdog this season. Each of the last 3 meetings have been decided by 2 points or less and I'm expecting another close one here so I'll gladly take the points.
Craig Trapp
Dallas Mavericks vs. Houston Rockets
Play: Dallas Mavericks +3½
Very big 4 star free play for Craig today. Rough loss on free play yesterday with Garnett going down for the Celtics. Still the Celts only lost by 5 and were in it to the very end.
Today we are taking Dallas over Houston. Now that McGrady is out and Houston has traded there other penetrator Alston we hate Houston. These two teams have split this year in there previous two match ups with both road teams winning by 10 points.
Dallas will pull away late in this one as they are just more talented with Dirk, Kidd and compnay. Dallas is much better on the road and they are still trying to get into the playoffs whereas Houston has given up on this season with the trade and injuries.
Score Dallas 98 - Houson 93
Jrtips
NEW ORLEANS vs. LA LAKERS
The New Orleans Hornets were among the teams that agreed to a big trade, but it didn't go through in which they will be better off but Tyson Chandler won't be in the lineup tonight. Tonight, the Hornets try to become the first opponent to beat the NBA-leading Lakers twice at Staples Center this season. For the Lakers (44-10) who are on top of the standings, Paul Gasol is having a great season averaging 18.3 points and 9.5 rebounds per game to complement Kobe Bryant. The Lakers have won nine of their last 10 opening the second half with victories on back-to-back nights over Atlanta and Golden State beating the Warriors on their home court 129-121 on Wednesday. The Hornets had dropped six of eight going into last weekend's All-Star break with Chris Paul out but they won back-to-back games over Oklahoma City and Orlando this week, getting 36 points and 10 assists from Paul in Wednesday night's 117-85 win over the Magic. After losing twice at home to the Lakers earlier this season, the Hornets beat them 116-105 on Jan. 6 at Staples Center when West tied a career-high with 40 points and pulled down 11 rebounds while Paul had 32 points and 15 assists. The Lakers' 25-4 home record is the best in the West. Lamar Odom has been the difference for the Lakers since Bynums injury as he is playing the best basketball of his career. He will neutralize David West tonight and the lakers will be on Top of their game playing on national TV tonight at home. Just like the Hornets got revenge over the Magic Wed night, the Lakers will do the same against the Hornets TAKE LAKERS-9
ezwinners.com - FREE SELECTION
Date: Friday, February 20, 2009
Game: Illinois State Redbirds @ Niagara Purple Eagles
Sport: NCAA Basketball
Time: 6:00PM CST
(881) Illinois State Redbirds +3
The Redbirds have been surging and find themselves just one game
out of the Missouri Valley Conference lead. Illinois State has got some
nice production from some seldom used players recently that has really
provided them with some quality depth. Niagara has a good team and
they are tough at home. They play a similar style of game as Illinois State,
but the Redbirds are the better team in my opinion. ISU has been strong
on the road as the Redbirds are 10-4 against the spread in their last
fourteen games as a road underdog. Take the points.
2009 Free Selections Record 27-23
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OVER - Total Play of the Day - pregame.com
Hornets: New Orleans may have received a blessing in disguise when
attempting to trade Tyson Chandler to Oklahoma City earlier this week.
Chandler failed his physical due to a toe injury and ended up back with
the Hornets, who could definitely benefit from a healthy Chandler down
the stretch. “I’m excited to have T.C. back,” New Orleans point guard
Chris Paul said. “I think it will give us a huge lift. Hopefully it will bring us
closer together. You know, T.C. is family to us, so there won’t be any
animosity when he comes in here and he understands what’s been the
goal all along.”
PROJECTED SCORE: 102
Underdog is 10-1 ATS in the last 11 meetings.
The OVER is 7-2-1 in New Orleans' last 10 road games.
Lakers (-9, O/U 207): LA has won nine of its last 10 games, improving
to 2-0 both SU & ATS since the All-Star break with a 129-121 win at
Golden State on Wednesday. The Lakers have been especially unselfish
lately, totaling 33 assists against the Warriors, which was just two off
their season high. “We just shared the ball, and every time you play that
way, it’s rewarding,” said Lakers center Josh Powell. The road team has
won the last three meetings along with six of the last eight.
PROJECTED SCORE: 109 Lakers are 8-2 ATS in their last 10 games overall.
The OVER is 6-2 in LA's last 8 games as a favorite.
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Free Selection from Totals4U
Friday's free selection: Oklahoma City/Phoenix over 233
======================================================
Sports System Laugh Corner 😀
on a 3 -1 run WOW !!! 😮
Those who leveraged the money
they got from their home mortgage
winnings really cashed in yesterday !!!
Today's pick is: Orlando on money
line -130 8)
Tony George
Orlando Magic vs. Charlotte Bobcats
Play: Orlando -2.5
I like the Magic on the road here as they are MONEY for their backers going 13-5 ATS their last 18 road games. Orlando struggled with Charlotte earlier this week in a 5 point Overtime win. The Bobcats shot 47% from the free throw line in that game, which killed them, but these 2 teams should not be on the same page to be honest. I like taking good teams off bad losses and the Magic are off a very bad performance against the Hornets in a blowout and embarrassing loss. Charlotte is tough at home but once again, a good team off a bad loss, knowing Charlotte is the real deal at home, will have them focused. Orlando scores 10 ppg more on the road this season than Charlotte has at home, and I expect a higher scoring game, and the frontcourt of the Magic to win it tonight in a tight one.
Play: Orlando
Tom Stryker
Orlando Magic vs. Charlotte Bobcats
Play: Orlando Magic -2.5
Orlando enters this contest at Charlotte off its worst beating of the season. The Magic got pounded by the Hornets on Wednesday night 117-85. Even though Superman and Company are still adjusting to life in the NBA without point guard Jameer Nelson, Orlando will find a way to slip past this scrappy Charlotte team.
Since January 15th, 2008, the Magic have been in a groove posting a solid 73-33 SU and 64-39-3 ATS record in their last 106 games. In this role coming off a straight up loss, Orlando has responded quite well posting a tremendous 24-8 ATS record in its next battle. Equally impressive, in their last 46 games with rest and matched up against a sub .500 opponent, the Magic have cruised to a solid 31-15-1 ATS mark.
On Tuesday night, Orlando needed overtime to slip past Charlotte 107-102. Off their crushing loss to the Hornets, the Magic will come completely focused on the task at hand. Take Orlando.
Scott Rickenbach
Colorado Avalanche @ Washington Capitals
PICK: Under
The Avalanche are coming off of a 3-2 win in overtime versus Ottawa on Tuesday. This was the second straight game the Avs won after regulation – they won at Detroit in the shootout on Sunday – and it’s done wonders for their confidence heading into a six game road trip that starts tonight. The Avalanche have not been scoring all that well. This is why their last seven games have only featured one “crazy” one – that was the 6 to 5 win over the Red Wings in the shootout. Other than that, the last six Avalanche games have all finished with total goals scored of six or less. Five of those six games did tally five or less goals. It’s plain to see why there is some value here with this total posted at a full six goals. Of course we understand how this total was set because the Capitals are known for high-scoring games. However, Washington’s games have only exceeded six goals twice in their last five games.
Before their 4-3 shootout win over Montreal Wednesday, the Caps had held three of their last four opponents to two goals or less. With Washington still trying to catch Boston for the top seed in the Eastern Conference playoffs and the Avalanche still trying to stay alive in a jam-packed Western Conference playoff race, there will no shortage of defensive intensity tonight. Also, Colorado’s power play as well as their overall scoring, ranks among the worst clubs in the league when on the road. Look for those troubles to continue for the Avalanche here and, with both clubs well-rested, there will be fresh defensemen and fresh goal-tenders doing their part to keep this one a tight game all the way. There are some situational issues here (like the rest factor) for both teams and that, along with the defensive intensity these teams are likely to play with tonight, as noted in the information above, means one should consider a small play on UNDER 6 goals in Washington Friday night.
Big Al Mcmordie
Oklahoma City Thunder at Phoenix Suns
Prediction: Oklahoma City Thunder
At 9:05 pm, our complimentary selection is on the Oklahoma City Thunder plus the points over Phoenix, as the Thunder are 31-15 ATS its last 46 on the road off three losses, when playing with rest. And Phoenix is a dismal 20-42 ATS off back-to-back ATS wins, if it also won its last game by double digits. With Phoenix in off 140-100 and 142-119 wins over the Clippers, we'll fade Alvin Gentry's men tonight at home vs. Oklahoma City. Take the points.
Jimmy Boyd
1 Unit on Cavs/Bucks UNDER 196.5
This one stays under because of how strong defensively the Cavs have been on the road. Cleveland is holding its opponents to just 91.9 ppg on the road this season. A short-handed Bucks team will struggled to score against a very good Cavs defense tonight. In fact, Cleveland held Milwaukee to just 85 points here in November when the Bucks had their roster in tact. Totals in the 190's have been an automatic unders call when the Cavs are on the road this season and they are 9-1 UNDER in road games where the total is between 190 and 199.5 points this season. The Under is 14-3 in Cavaliers last 17 games playing on 1 days rest, 7-1 in Cavaliers last 8 vs. Eastern Conference, and 5-1 in Cavaliers last 6 games as a road favorite. The Under is also 7-3 in the last 10 meetings in Milwaukee. Bet the UNDER!